By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – International Organization for Migration agency on Tuesday announced that it is undertaking “essential structural adjustments” at its Geneva headquarters and globally, in response to a substantial 30 per cent reduction in donor support for 2025 including a significant decrease in projects funded by the United States.
IOM said in a statement that the funding cuts have severe repercussions for vulnerable migrant communities, exacerbating humanitarian crises and undermining essential support systems for displaced populations.
The adjustments involve “scaling back or ending projects affecting over 6,000 staff members worldwide” and implementing a structural realignment at headquarters, reducing staffing by approximately 20 per cent – or more than 250 staff.
“These measures are necessary to ensure that IOM can continue delivering lifesaving humanitarian assistance to migrants and vulnerable communities worldwide,” the statement continued.
It stressed “We aim to drive solutions for displaced populations and support governments in managing migration for the benefit of societies and migrants.”
IOM operates under a project-based funding model, established by its Member States, which allows for flexibility and responsiveness to global humanitarian needs.
The statement noted that when funding for specific projects ends the impacts can be far-reaching, particularly for vulnerable communities with limited support options.
The Organization’s priority remains serving vulnerable populations despite the constrained funding environment, the statement stressed.
It reiterated that to achieve this, IOM is moving positions to lower-cost regional offices and country missions, streamlining staffing, and identifying opportunities to better coordinate with other humanitarians.
IOM said these decisions have been communicated to Member States and are built on the historic budget reform efforts passed by the IOM Council in 2022.
“These changes will save costs and enable us to extend greater support globally, providing essential humanitarian assistance in crises worldwide,” the statement said.
It added that the necessary adaptations will also enable IOM to develop new funding, maintain essential oversight and accountability, and streamline operations.
IOM has prioritized mitigating risks to both staff and operations by ensuring that reductions are applied strategically and in consultation with affected teams, while frontline assistance remains protected.
“We recognise the impact these decisions will have on colleagues who have dedicated years to IOM’s mission,” the statement underlined.
The statement said “We deeply value the dedication and service of our staff, past and present, who have worked tirelessly to support migrants and displaced communities worldwide.”
It acknowledged that at a time when conflict, climate-induced disasters, and economic instability are driving record levels of displacement, migration is central to global security, stability, and sustainable development.
IOM called on the international community not to sideline migration governance.
The agency said it remains committed to its core mission and ensuring that migration and displacement remain central to the global policy debate.
Comments are closed.